Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) are federal programs administered by the Social Security Administration under a uniform national framework. The eligibility rules, application process, and appeal procedures are the same in every state — there is no state-specific version of the disability standard.

SSDI is available to workers who have accumulated sufficient work credits through Social Security payroll taxes. SSI is a needs-based program available to disabled individuals regardless of work history, subject to income and asset limits. Both programs use the same five-step sequential evaluation process: the SSA determines whether the claimant is currently working, whether the impairment is medically severe, whether it meets or equals a listed condition, whether the claimant can perform past work, and finally whether any work exists in the national economy the claimant can still perform.

The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold — the monthly earnings level above which someone is presumed not disabled — is set federally. In 2024, the SGA threshold is $1,550 per month ($2,590 for statutorily blind individuals).

Most denied claimants appeal to an Administrative Law Judge at a Social Security hearing office. If the ALJ denies the claim, further appeal goes to the Appeals Council and then to federal district court. Wait times at the ALJ hearing stage range from several months to well over a year, depending on the hearing office.

An attorney experienced with Social Security disability hearings in your area can improve your chances at the ALJ stage. The state grid below links to Social Security disability attorneys by jurisdiction.